West Pike Lake

How big is West Pike Lake?

How deep is West Pike Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in West Pike Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near West Pike Lake?

West Pike Lake is 788-acre remote Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness lake connected to Clearwater Lake. Public access is through various portages from Pine, Clearwater, East Pike and Gogebic lakes. The only gamefish species native to the lake are lake trout. Smallmouth bass were found in West Pike, beginning in 1971. West Pike is primarily managed for lake trout.

Lake trout abundance fell below the current management goal and is the lowest value recorded for West Pike Lake. Changes in net sets made it hard to compare data across years. However, lake trout catch was above the average for lake trout populations in similar area lakes. Lake trout ranged in size between 10.8 and 26.0 inches with an average length of 22.3 inches and 4.1 lbs. Aging results indicated the presence of 10 naturally reproduced year classes with the oldest individuals appearing to be 20 years old. There were many missing year classes that show inconsistent recruitment. Growth appears to be relatively fast likely due to cisco populations that provide excellent forage. Survey results suggests that West Pike Lake continues to support a naturally reproducing fast growing lake trout population. Large sized lake trout may would be of interest to anglers. Naturally reproducing lake trout populations are unique in Minnesota lakes, anglers targeting lake trout should consider catch and release practices with safe handling procedures.

Smallmouth bass abundance was historically low in West Pike Lake. Smallmouth bass ranged from 12.1 to 15.4 inches with a mean length of 14.1 inches and 1.52 lbs, meeting the size goal. Smallmouth bass may provide an angling opportunity but could compete with native lake trout for forage.

Burbot catch rates were low, but slightly higher than local area lakes. Burbot were relatively large and ranged between 15.4 and 21.9 inches with a mean length of 18.6 inches. Burbot can provide great table fare for anglers if they are able to locate them.

Cisco abundance is comparable to other recent surveys, but much lower than other lakes in the area. Cisco provide an excellent native forage base for lake trout.

White sucker relative abundance was the lowest recorded for this lake.

Cook County, Minnesota lakes continue to be susceptible to aquatic invasive species introductions. Invasive species have the potential to significantly alter fish communities and overall lake health. Anglers should clean watercraft and fishing gear, drain all water, and dispose of unused bait in the trash to prevent accidental introductions.

Are there any state parks near West Pike Lake?